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Thursday, November 25, 2010

Thanksgiving 2004 was the last time I saw my Granny alive.

Thanksgiving day at my Momma's house, then the Sunday after at Acton, at Grandma Edwards' celebration. Maxine was there with her guitar; Maxine played while Granny sang "I'll Fly Away". I sang with her.

I saw "O Brother Where Art Thou" a few months after Granny died. My ex-husband and I bought the soundtrack; "I'll Fly Away" always brought me back to that day in that church meeting hall, singing the song with my Granny that I grew up listening to her sing.

I had no idea that day would be the last time I'd hug her, kiss her cheek, feel her hand in mine. I didn't know it would be the last time I'd hear her sing. I didn't know it would be the last time we'd have a face-to-face conversation; I don't remember a thing we talked about that day.

I remember talking to her when we knew she was dying. I asked her if she was afraid. She wasn't. I was.

Thanksgiving isn't the same without her. It's still full of good food, loving family, laughter, singing, smiles, happiness.